Theatr Iolo’s Young Playwrights Project, which has been running since 2020, was created by the company to encourage children and young people from across the whole of Wales to explore playwriting and have a go at writing their own play.
Each year, four plays are chosen to be recorded as a podcast drama by professional actors and directors. The plays selected for 2024 were Y Freuddwyd Beryglus by Sophie (10), The Well-Known Wicks by Ali (10), The Great Christmas Dinner Plot by Alex (15) and Tu ôl i'r Sgrin by Sioned (14).
The plays have now been released as podcast dramas that can be listened to at home or in schools on Theatr Iolo’s podcast channel.
The plays are recorded over a series of online sessions, in which the young playwrights have the opportunity to share their inspiration and watch their plays being recorded.
“It was amazing to see my words come to life through the actors' voices. I really enjoyed the recording and I’m grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a professional company. The experience has given me a taste for writing, and I hope to develop my writing, especially for stage and screen, in the future.”
Sioned, Young Playwright
“Our Young Playwrights Project offers us a unique opportunity for young people to express themselves by writing a story for children of their own age, about the things that matter to them. By providing opportunities for young people to write for their peers, we hope to create work that represents the wide range of the subject matters that interest young people today, as well inspire and develop the theatrical voices of the future.”
Lee Lyford, Artistic Director
The plays are now available to listen to for free through Theatr Iolo’s podcast channel or can be enjoyed on YouTube channel with captions.